The Lahore Electric Supply Company has exposed a new and sophisticated method of electricity theft involving the use of remote-control devices to manipulate electricity meters. The discovery was made during an anti-power theft operation conducted in Lahore’s Shahdara area.
According to a statement released by LESCO, the raid was carried out under the directives of Chief Executive Engineer Muhammad Ramzan Butt as part of the company’s ongoing campaign against illegal electricity consumption across the region.
During the operation, LESCO inspection teams raided an industrial connection where two suspects were allegedly caught using a remote-controlled device to interfere with the meter system. Officials stated that the technology allowed users to manipulate electricity readings and reduce recorded power consumption without physically tampering with the meter at all times.
The power utility company revealed that such advanced methods of electricity theft are becoming increasingly difficult to detect, prompting authorities to strengthen monitoring and enforcement mechanisms. LESCO has intensified inspections in commercial, industrial, and residential areas to identify consumers involved in illegal electricity practices.
Officials further shared that legal action has been initiated against the suspects, while investigations are underway to determine the scale of the operation and whether similar techniques are being used elsewhere in the city.
Electricity theft continues to remain a major challenge for Pakistan’s power sector, contributing to financial losses worth billions of rupees annually. Distribution companies have repeatedly warned that such illegal activities not only damage the national economy but also place an additional burden on honest consumers who pay their electricity bills regularly.
LESCO has urged citizens to cooperate with authorities by reporting suspicious electricity connections and meter tampering activities. The company reiterated its commitment to eliminating power theft and improving transparency in electricity distribution systems.
The latest development highlights how technology is now being used in increasingly complex ways to bypass utility systems, forcing authorities to adopt smarter surveillance and inspection strategies to curb electricity theft in Pakistan.
